Hello Paul,

I'm no expert, don't own a grove or process olive oil, my plants on my balcony barely survive-but if you don't mind some advice that almost sounds silly at first.

My in-laws have some olive trees & fruit trees on their property (small lot-primarily enough for family, friends). Couple years ago they had problems with birds eating the fruit of the fruit trees, especially my fave-figs!

They tried an idea I read in HGTV forum, hang CD's on the trees. They laughed at the idea at first, but it worked, it saved our figs. Now they are hanging CD's on all the trees. Something about the reflectiion in the light keeps them away. Best to get the cheap silvery CD's, color ones don't reflect as well.

Another idea-is do you have a small corner of your lot - some distance from your trees, that maybe you can create a little haven for the birds? Have some bird feeders? bird bath, maybe the grass seed they seem to like? Maybe this little haven MAY help distract them from your olive trees?

As for the CD's, try hanging some low (for those reaching up after the grass seed) as well as some high up.

If it helps, I've also heard using Pinwheels (yes the type kids like) placing them on the ground helps keep some of the other critters away.

Whichever method you try, Good luck!